The archaeological work on the hospital site was successful in identifying where the archaeology was located and informing the strategy to avoid it.

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken on behalf of NHS Orkney, during the topsoil strip by machine, across the site of the new hospital and healthcare facilities in Kirkwall from the 24/04/2017 - 1/05/2017.

During the watching brief a number of linear features, interpreted as post-medieval land drains and boundary ditches were identified. Also identified was the edge of a former quarry pit that was shown on the First Edition 6-inch Ordnance Survey map.

The watching brief confirmed that the surviving significant (prehistoric) archaeology was focused in the area investigated during the evaluation in Trenches 1 and 9

This area had been avoided by the design for the current scheme of works. No features or material of archaeological significance were identified during the programme of archaeological works.